The World is Crazy, You Don’t Have to Be
If you turn on the news or get on social media – the end of times must surely be upon us. The human negativity factor is simply overwhelming. While the world may be crumbling around us, or at least it may seem that way – you don’t have to. Treat yourself to 5 Tiny Acts of Kindness towards yourself.
I don’t know about you but I am about ready to sell my TV and shut down my Facebook account. It’s too much! Life is already crazy and then when you throw in all the fighting and the anger and the evil that exists all over the world – it becomes depressing. I did in fact take a step back from my personal Facebook page about a week ago. Not only was it upsetting me in so many ways but I realized how much time I was wasting on a daily basis. Because I have so many good and bad days with my health – my productivity level is already at a low point. Throw in the fact that I am an admitted procrastinator and it’s a recipe for a day spent doing nothing.
I have made a pact with myself. Less of the things which make me feel uptight and upset – and more of the things which make me happy.
Think about it …those times you indulge in even the smallest of things, your spirit is uplifted and you don’t feel as if things are so bad. The more you wallow in misery, the more misery grabs on. I have now promised myself, as silly as it sounds, that I will wake up and say something positive to myself in the mirror while I am brushing my teeth. How hard is that? It’s not. That’s the point. How about you? Could you use some more happy in your life?
Here are 5 Easy Ways to Treat Yourself and Add Some “Happy”
1.) Fresh Flowers
Whether they are from your garden or from a grocery store…treat yourself. Flowers not only brighten your home but they lift your soul, as well. You can make a simple arrangement from your own garden or buy an inexpensive bunch from the grocery store while you stop off to get that gallon of milk. Either way, you will be surprised how a few stems can bring such happiness into your day.
2.) Read !!!
Noooo, I am not talking about a newspaper or Facebook. Rather, read something that is simply being read for the fun of it. Or, read something that will allow you to self-help yourself. I always loved to read as a little girl. But as I got older and life got crazier, I didn’t allow myself the time to just sit and read. Reading a book – an actual book – is quickly becoming a lost art. Yes, Kindles and Nooks are great, but there is something about actually holding the book and turning the pages. And yes – I admit it. I make rabbit-ears to mark my page. 😀 When is the last time you read a good book? Remember how it made you feel?
What I Am Currently Reading:
- The Paleo Approach: Reverse Auto Immune and Heal Your Body
- Love Stories of WWII
- The Power of the Praying Wife
3.) Treat Yourself to a Spa Day!
I can think of nothing else that relaxes me more than a good professional massage. A local spa just offered a 6-massage special that I could not turn down. But, I totally understand when that is not in the budget. There are so many ways you can have a spa day at home.
I realize with work and kids and just life in general – it may not always be easy to set aside a few hours to treat yourself to some much needed pampering. But I can tell you first hand, it makes all the difference in the world to your sanity and your overall being. Take a hot, bubble bath. Add about 10-15 drops of calming lavender essential oil along with about 1/4 cup melted Coconut Oil. Want some actual bubbles? Liquid Castile Soap will do the trick without all those chemical ingredients found in over the counter bubble baths. While you’re bathing, use my Homemade Lavender and Rosemary Body Salt Scrub for silky, soft skin.
Spa Day doesn’t have to be a whole day. If you have a day, more power to you. Go for it. Otherwise, close yourself off for a few hours and take some time to relax.
4.) Unplug and Take a Walk
A few months ago, me and The Hubbs went for a simple walk around our neighborhood. I looked at him and asked why we didn’t do it more often. It was alone time, it was getting out into the fresh air – and it didn’t cost us a dime. So now, we make it a habbit to walk 2-3 times a week. Just a stroll. But, its more than just a walk. It allows some time away from the house, away from the TV and the news – time to talk. Last week we got in the car and drove to the beach. (I know, its a luxury) It was late in the afternoon and it was cloudy and overcast so hardly anyone was there. It was perfect! Whether you walk with your spouse or a friend – allow yourself some time to get outside and take in some nature.
5.) Dessert
I know, I know – calories, calories, calories!! But sometimes, you just need to throw calories and sugar to the wayside and indulge. I am really not a dessert person. Every now and then though, I want something chocolate and decadent. If I have dessert, its usually when we are out to dinner and I share it with The Hubbs with a cappuccino. Go ahead. Fluff off the guilt and tell yourself a dessert every now and then is not going to kill you.
If you are home and in the baking mood – try my Homemade Chocolate Espresso Pudding or if you want something a little lighter, how about my Easy Strawberry Tart.
Dessert isn’t your thing? Indulge in a decadent home cooked pancake breakfast. We are in such a hurry every morning and generally its coffee and toast or maybe some oatmeal. I have started fixing a huge Sunday morning breakfast again because the grandbabies generally stay Saturday nights with is. They love my Homemade Pancakes. This fall, treat yourself to some incredible Pumpkin French Toast.
Let’s Review….
- Fresh Flowers
- Read a Book
- Have a Spa Day
- Take a Walk
- Enjoy Dessert Every Now and Again
The world is still going to be crazy. There are going to be events happening all around us which we have no control over. But, we have control over what makes us happy. CHOOSE TO BE HAPPY! Choose to treat yourself extra special, choose to do something kind for someone strange….choose to be kind.
I would love to hear all the ways you like to treat yourself. Please share them on The Everyday Home Facebook Page and use #TheEverydayHome. xxoo, Barb
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” Everyday Ideas for Your Home & Life “
Kim Lennie says
I love your blog posts they are the highlight of my day. That being said your suggestions today were awesome and I already practice a few of them. My favorite though is to do my hobbies of which I have several from making jewelry to floral arranging. But my favorite of all is to sit down and watch my favorite t.v. program and take yarn to hook ( I’m an avid crocheter ). This is the most relaxing and when a project is finished I either gift to someone or keep for myself. Mostly though I gift which also makes me happy.
View CommentBarb says
I LOVE floral arranging too. I have often wished I could volunteer a few hours in a florist. All that access to all those flowers. 🙂 My bucket list is to go to the Chelsea Flower Show and I am gonna try to go next Spring. Thanks for stopping by today. Barb
View CommentKarin N says
I enjoy the “value” blogs like today’s “Five ways to treat yourself” but I get EXCITED about blogs like the homemade tomato and bacon jam that’s coming up.
View CommentBarb says
Thank you soooo much. That means a lot to me to know what kinds of posts readers like. Often it is me sitting here playing guessing games. LOL I appreciate your input. Thanks for stopping by. Barb
View CommentLoryl says
I love all your suggestions and try to do most of them most of the time. I have to admit its easier now that I’m retired. I agree that shutting off the tv and computer are so good for your soul. Sometimes my hubby and i just look at each other and say “TURN IT OFF”. The awful spewing of hateful talk is damaging. Get out , breathe the fresh air, and tune yourself to nature.
View CommentBarb says
Me and my hubby do the same exact thing. As a matter of fact, he is reading right here beside me while I work and we have Pandora playing. I don’t miss TV at all, well unless one of my fave PBS shows comes on. 😀 Thanks for stopping by, have a great week. Barb
View CommentMary Louise Baldwin says
Too many pop-ups, too much downloading of side ads, too difficult to find the actual current day blog.
View CommentBarb says
I’m so sorry your experience here at The Everyday Home was not a good one. Unfortunately, it costs me hundreds of dollars per month just to maintain this blog before I a make a single dime. Pop-ups are indeed frustrating but a necessary evil. I hope you can come back again and give it another try. The current post is always at the top. Thanks.
View CommentDebby says
I love these ideas – especially “read a book”
View CommentBarb says
Debby yes!!!! There is nothing like a good page turner to get your mind off of things. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by today. Barb
View CommentJane says
Sitting at work, (leasing) and it’s slow today. I go to your blog and it brings so much fun to my day.
Thanks.
Jane
View CommentBarb says
Jane that is so sweet of you to say and I can’t tell you what it means when I hear this. BTW, I did property management for years and it was THE most stressful job ever. I feel for you. 🙂 Hope you have a great rest of your week. Barb
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